Why Keep Kosher? Because Kosher Keeps Us

We do not question the value of Jewish continuity nor do we doubt the importance of actively nurturing this continuity. Why then, are there not more of us who embrace a commitment to eat Kosher foods?

The culture of Kosher encapsulates traditional family and national values that go straight to our heart. "Chicken Soup" is not a recipe, it is part of our consciousness and sub-consciousness. When we eat Kosher, we are inviting Gd to sit with us at our kitchen table. "Gefilte Fish" and "Matza Balls" transcend our rational mind, they are hyperlinks to deep feelings and respect for our past, present and future.

Engaging with our traditional foods links us emotionally to our heritage. The very mundane, everyday activity of eating forms a continuous and intimate component of our lives. Whether in joy or sorrow, excitement or boredom, depression or elation; food is always there, in the background or the foreground. By choosing to eat Kosher we experience Gd's presence: not the awesome presence of Gd that we perceive on the Day of Atonement and not the dignified serene Gd we perceive as our children stand under the Chupa. When we choose to put Kosher food on our table the Gd we perceive is the Gd who has just casually dropped by for a cuppa and a biscuit.